Painting a house requires some preparation before the paint meets the wall. One of those things is making sure the surface is cleaned and prepped properly. Many homeowners like to use a pressure washer to quickly and efficiently clean the house and get it ready. It may be a good option for you, but you should know the risks before pulling out your pressure washer.

 Water Getting Into Your House

“Since the water is being sprayed at an incredible pressure, it can infiltrate into the walls of your house. Houses are built to repel rain water and moisture from other sources, but a pressure washer on full blast can be too much, and you might end up with wet floors and mold,” said a spokesperson for a Minneapolis painting company.

 Damage

 If it is not used properly, a pressure wash can cause significant damage to the outside of your home, even if water does not leak inside. Siding can get knocked loose, and even mortar can come loose as well. Window screens and seals are also in danger of being cracked and broken from a pressure washer. If you were just using it to clean the house, then you might end up with paint coming loose, which means you will have to paint the house anyway.

Benefits

Despite all of the risks, there are some benefits as well. The key is using the washer properly to get the best results and to avoid causing damage. For one, pressure washers can do a great job of cleaning your house. It is very effective at removing not just dirt and grime, but other nasties like bird droppings. A clean house can add to the curb appeal of a home on the market as well. Pressure washing will also help prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which are dangerous not just to the house but to your family as well.

As you can see, the benefits of using a pressure washer to clean your home are only possible if you use the equipment properly. If you are unsure how to use a pressure washer safely and correctly, then you can always call a professional to help you.